A human chain was organized on Friday morning along the bank of the Old Gomti River in Cumilla to mark World Environment Day. The event was arranged by the environmental wing of the social and cultural organization Cumillar Jomin Family under the theme “No more plastic pollution, time to stop it.” Participants included people from various professions, journalists, teachers, environmentally conscious citizens, and representatives of social organizations.

Speakers at the event expressed concern over the country’s deteriorating environmental condition, citing encroachment and pollution of rivers, canals, and open spaces as major threats. They said the Old Gomti River, once vibrant and historically significant, has long suffered from neglect, occupation, and pollution, earning the name “Dead Gomti.”

Referring to the Hatirjheel project in Dhaka, speakers suggested that with proper planning and management, the Old Gomti River could be transformed into a modern urban recreation center, improving the city’s environment and creating new tourism opportunities. They also called on citizens to become more aware of environmental conservation.

All varieties of lychees, including the traditional Bedana type, have flooded markets across Dinajpur district, with daily transactions exceeding three crore taka. The district’s agriculture department expects total sales to reach around one thousand crore taka this season. Wholesale and retail markets in Kalitla and Masimpur are witnessing heavy trading of Madrazi, Bedana, Bombay, and China-Three varieties. Farmers are harvesting early due to weather concerns, and hundreds of vehicles are transporting lychees daily to Dhaka and other districts.

Dinajpur’s Bedana lychee has received Geographical Indication (GI) recognition and has been exported to countries such as France, Canada, and Australia. The agriculture department reported that more lychees will be exported this year than last year, with several foreign buyers already contacting the department. Local traders noted higher prices compared to last year, with Bedana lychees selling between 500 and 700 taka per hundred pieces in local markets.

Officials said lychee cultivation covers 4,484 hectares this year, targeting production of about 32,000 tons. Stakeholders believe that with government support, this promising fruit market could play a significant role in strengthening the national agricultural economy.

Mango farmers in Kansat market of Shibganj upazila, Chapainawabganj, have voiced dissatisfaction with the current season’s mango prices. Although the market has become busy with varieties such as Khirshapat, Lakhkhanbhog, Guti, and Langra arriving from local orchards, growers say prices are lower than last year. Khirshapat mangoes are selling for Tk 1,300–2,400 per maund compared to Tk 2,500–2,800 last year. Farmers attribute the decline to increased production costs, smaller fruit size due to low rainfall, and fewer wholesale buyers from other regions.

Several farmers said they are facing losses as expenses for pesticides, labor, and orchard maintenance have risen sharply. They hope prices will improve once more traders arrive next week. Market authorities confirmed that production is good but prices remain below expectations. The Department of Agricultural Extension reported that mangoes are selling at around Tk 50 per kilogram, which may prevent major losses, and that 37,000 hectares of land in the district are under mango cultivation this season with a production target of 458,000 tons.

Traders expect demand and prices to rise slightly in the coming days as supply stabilizes across the country.

A report from the technology desk of Amar Desh, published on June 5, 2026, highlights key precautions users should take before selling their old phones. It warns that negligence can expose personal data such as photos, videos, banking details, and documents to others. Users are advised to back up all important data to cloud storage or computers before proceeding.

The article emphasizes logging out of all linked accounts, including Google and Apple IDs, before performing a factory reset. It also instructs users to delete banking and financial apps, remove saved passwords, and take out SIM and memory cards to prevent data leaks. After completing a factory reset, users should restart the phone to verify that no personal information remains.

According to the report, following these simple steps ensures that personal data remains secure even after the device changes hands, making the phone resale process safer and more responsible.

In Kaliganj of Jhenaidah, parts of the Kaliganj-Ganna road are being dug up to replace the existing paved surface with brick soling. The work, covering about 850 meters under the Roads and Highways Department, is estimated to cost 8.8 million taka. Locals have questioned why a mostly intact asphalt road is being excavated instead of repaired, saying minor patchwork could have made it usable.

Residents and road users, including businesspeople and drivers, expressed frustration that a good road is being replaced unnecessarily, calling it a waste of public funds. They noted that the route serves long-distance vehicles and students from nearby areas, who now face travel difficulties. Contractor Golam Hossain of Gama Construction said the work follows tender requirements and should be completed within the week.

An official from the Kaliganj Roads and Highways office stated that the project is part of routine maintenance, claiming parts of the road had become unusable due to monsoon damage. He declined to comment on claims that good sections were being removed, advising inquiries to higher authorities.

Agricultural land in Sitakunda, Chattogram, is under severe threat due to unplanned industrial expansion. Factories are being built on fertile farmland, reducing cultivable areas and damaging soil fertility through toxic waste. As a result, crop yields have declined sharply, and agricultural production in the region has collapsed.

Once known for its lush paddy fields and seasonal crops, Sitakunda’s northern unions—Banshbaria, Barabkunda, Muradpur, Baraidala, and Syedpur—are now dominated by industrial sites, container yards, warehouses, and housing projects. Local residents allege illegal sand extraction, hill cutting, and wetland filling, with powerful industrial groups acquiring vast tracts of land. Many purchased lands remain unused, halting farming activities.

According to Sitakunda’s agriculture officer, about 24,000 acres of farmland remain, but rapid industrialization threatens to eliminate them. Locals have submitted a memorandum to the Upazila Executive Officer demanding farmland protection, while the Assistant Commissioner (Land) stated that filling farmland for factories is not permitted.

U.S. President Donald Trump described Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a good friend but criticized India for taking advantage of U.S. trade benefits over the years. Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump said India had imposed high tariffs on American goods while offering little in return. He expressed optimism that Washington and New Delhi would soon reach a trade agreement, citing his positive relationship with Modi.

Trump claimed that his administration was reversing the previous imbalance, stating that the United States was now earning substantial revenue from India. His remarks came as a U.S. delegation visited India earlier in the week to discuss an interim bilateral trade deal. According to India’s Ministry of Commerce, the talks were conducted in a spirit of cooperation and pragmatism.

The discussions signal ongoing efforts by both nations to strengthen trade ties despite past disputes over tariffs and market access.

Iran has asserted firm control over the Strait of Hormuz, signaling it will not relinquish influence over the world’s most critical oil chokepoint. Analysts told CNBC that Tehran demonstrated its ability to block the route using limited missiles and drones, and that this leverage could outlast any potential deal with Washington. The U.S. and Iran remain far from an agreement, with recent missile exchanges underscoring ongoing hostilities. Experts warn that even a future accord would not strip Iran of its newfound energy weapon.

Tehran has formalized oversight through the newly formed Persian Gulf Strait Authority (PGSA), which verifies ship data and collects transit fees. The U.S. has sanctioned the PGSA and warned shipping companies against paying such tolls, though some traders reportedly reached secret arrangements to maintain oil flow. Analysts from Wood Mackenzie and Rystad estimate that prolonged closure could push Brent crude toward $200 per barrel, while partial reopening under Iranian control might add $1–20 per barrel in geopolitical premiums.

Regional producers are investing in alternative export routes, but experts caution that new pipelines remain costly, vulnerable, and insufficient to offset Iran’s enduring strategic advantage.

Bangladesh’s economy is undergoing significant challenges as private investment continues to stagnate despite modest growth in public sector spending. According to the latest data from the Bureau of Statistics, private investment now stands at 22.3 percent of GDP, the lowest in a decade. The GDP for fiscal year 2024–25 was valued at 55.15 trillion taka, with total investment reaching 15.74 trillion taka, of which 12.15 trillion came from the private sector. The slowdown in investment has hindered job creation and weakened overall economic momentum.

The financial sector is under pressure, with several banks requiring government liquidity support to remain operational. Inflation has exceeded 9 percent, eroding purchasing power and disproportionately affecting low-income groups. Reduced revenue collection has limited the government’s ability to stimulate the economy, while export performance remains weak despite higher remittance inflows. Ongoing conflicts in the Middle East are adding further risks to trade and remittance flows.

Experts emphasize that Bangladesh must attract new investment to boost employment, productivity, and infrastructure while addressing inflation, energy shortages, and weaknesses in the banking system to restore investor confidence.

Bangladesh has seen consecutive increases in fuel and electricity prices, with fuel costs rising by up to 25 taka per liter and electricity tariffs raised by 15–20 percent. The government’s decision has triggered widespread concern as transport fares, LPG cylinder prices, and essential goods costs have surged, severely affecting low- and middle-income households. Economists warn that inflation, already at 9.04 percent in April, could rise further, undermining the government’s target of reducing it to 7.5 percent.

Experts and consumer advocates attribute the crisis to corruption and inefficiency in the power sector, alleging massive financial mismanagement and misuse of capacity charges. They argue that the Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC) favored vested interests instead of protecting consumers. Business leaders from the garment, steel, and CNG sectors warn that higher energy costs will raise production expenses, reduce competitiveness, and threaten employment.

With the upcoming national budget approaching, economists caution that controlling inflation, managing debt, and restoring economic momentum will be major challenges. The combined impact of energy price hikes and global market instability is expected to intensify pressure on ordinary citizens and industries alike.

The Cabinet has approved a policy framework for a direct foreign investment (FDI) incentive scheme aimed at encouraging all Bangladeshi citizens, including expatriates, to contribute to attracting FDI. The approval was given during the Cabinet’s ninth meeting held on Thursday at the Secretariat, chaired by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. The Cabinet Division confirmed the decision in an official press release.

According to the release, the government formulated the FDI incentive scheme to promote participation of Bangladeshis in bringing foreign investment into the country. In the same meeting, the Cabinet also granted policy approval to the draft of the Bangladesh Medical University (Amendment) Act, 2026, initiated by the Ministry of Health Education and Family Welfare. The amendment aims to expand the scope of medical services, education, and research under the university.

The proposed amendment would allow the university to form profit-based or non-profit companies or organizations and acquire shares to enhance its operational and research capacity, requiring changes to the existing Bangladesh Medical University Act of 1998.

The Bangladesh Navy has officially received a 70-ton capacity floating crane named ‘BNFC Boliyan’, built by Dockyard and Engineering Works Limited (DEW) to enhance its logistics, repair, and maintenance capabilities. The handover ceremony took place on Thursday with Admiral M Nazmul Hasan attending as the chief guest, alongside senior officials from the Navy Headquarters and DEW Limited.

Construction of the crane began with a keel-laying ceremony on June 30. The vessel measures 45 meters in length, 15 meters in width, and 3 meters in depth, and can travel at a maximum speed of 10.5 miles per hour. The floating crane is designed to support the repair and maintenance of naval ships both at jetties and at sea.

According to the source, the BNFC Boliyan will also play a crucial role in lifting, transferring, and replacing heavy machinery, mechanical equipment, and various naval components with improved efficiency and safety.

Bangladesh Bank has introduced a Tk 20,000 crore pre-financing scheme aimed at reopening closed industrial and service establishments. The central bank issued a circular on Thursday outlining that defaulters, money launderers, and entities involved in fraud or misuse of previous loans will not be eligible for this facility. The scheme, valid for three years, will be operated using surplus liquidity from scheduled banks, which must sign separate agreements with Bangladesh Bank to participate.

According to the circular, the initiative seeks to boost industrial production, employment, exports, and overall economic activity. Priority will be given to export-oriented and high-potential enterprises, as well as entrepreneurs reopening closed factories through acquisition or lease. Each borrower may receive up to Tk 200 crore for a maximum term of one year, with interest rates capped at 7 percent. The funds must be used for operational expenses such as wages, utilities, and raw materials, not for repaying existing loans.

Banks will bear all credit risks and must ensure proper loan utilization through regular reporting and inspections. Misuse of funds will trigger penalties, including recovery from the bank’s account and possible legal action against involved parties.

National Citizen Party (NCP) spokesperson Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan said that the recent increase in electricity prices will directly raise production costs, affecting sectors from agriculture to industry. He made the remarks on Thursday at a seminar organized by Jatiya Juboshokti at the organization’s central office in Banglamotor.

Asif Mahmud noted that ordinary citizens in Bangladesh are already burdened with various taxes, including those on personal vehicles and motorcycles, yet improvements in public services remain limited. He criticized the lack of effective planning to address road infrastructure and traffic congestion, despite tax revenues being collected for such development.

Discussing the electricity price adjustment, he pointed out that while the government promotes a reduction in monthly charges for prepaid meters, it has simultaneously raised electricity tariffs. He warned that this move could increase commodity prices and urged the government to take necessary measures to minimize the negative impact on the general population.

A meeting on the implementation of the Teesta Master Plan was held on Thursday afternoon at the Cabinet Division in the Prime Minister’s Office, chaired by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. After the meeting, Water Resources Minister Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Anee told reporters that the discussion focused on integrated water management in the Teesta basin. Ministers from the Disaster Management and Relief Ministry, the State Minister for Water Resources, advisers, secretaries, and other relevant officials attended the meeting.

The minister said that the Teesta Master Plan had been presented to the nation as a pre-election commitment, and the government is now working to fulfill that pledge. Efforts are underway to accelerate the integrated water management process. He added that a team of experts has already begun work on the project, and an eight-member expert committee has been formed to support the implementation.

According to the minister, the committee is expected to submit its report within the next one to one and a half months, marking a key step toward advancing the plan’s execution.